LIFE WITH COURAGE

Of all the virtues man acquires, I believe Courage is the most universally respected and admired. Contrary to popular opinion, Courage is not dealing with a situation with reckless abandon, nor meeting a challenge without regard to consequences. To me, courage is a much more complex and comprehensive set of behavioral characteristics arising from one’s beliefs about life and how you chose to live life. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, described it accurately as:

“Courage is the first of human qualities;
Because it is the quality which guarantees the others”.

The act of Courage is much more than facing a danger or taking on a challenge. It is a quality of spirit that enables you to act appropriately in the face of the unexpected challenges.
It is the strength of character that allows you to face apparent obstacles or dangers or the unknown, with measured responses and a commitment to succeed. Equally, it can also be, facing defeat and knowing that you will come out of the encounter wiser and richer.

Like most human characteristics, courage is not inherited and is not present at birth, but is developed and nurtured gradually by learning and by exposure to risk taking. Children who are not afforded the opportunity to meet and deal with challenges run the risk of lacking this ability and invariably find difficulty in responding to situations with the level of courage needed.

Courage, to be managed successfully, requires the use of all the components of human behavior. Unlike the blind, impulsive response of a rage reaction which is no different than an animal response, true courage draws on a complex mix of human characteristics including experience, maturity, intelligence, confidence and logic. To be successful the response must be balanced and directed, with a definitive, realistic goal.

Examples of Courage and Courageous behavior abound all around us but most of the time we do not recognize them. Some are easy to recognize such as when a police officer faces an armed assailant, his action is one of supreme courage, similarly when a soldier is sent in harm’s way, he carries his courage each time, for they know they risk serious consequences. In other situations Courage is expressed in the form of commitment. When Muhammad Ali refused
Army conscription because of his religious beliefs and suffered the indignities of loss of his reputation and recognition, that was an act of courage. No different than when John McCain refused freedom from a North Vietnam prison in solidarity with the other prisoners who were not offered the same opportunity. They showed the courage of principle over convenience.

The truth is that courage is expressed in millions of diverse ways by so many of us without any concern of gain or reward. The only consideration is the intention to do the right thing at all cost. This above all others, is the most essential component for leading a life of fulfillment and satisfaction. As Maya Angelou, the celebrated Florida-based, African-American poet, noted:

“One isn't necessarily born with Courage, but one is born with potential.
Without Courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency.
We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest”.

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Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak,
Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.
……Sir Winston Churchill

Often the test of courage is not to die but to live.
……. Vittorio Alfieri

Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway.
……. Robert Anthony

It is a wise man who knows where courage ends and stupidity begins.

…….Jerome Cady

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

…… Walt Disney

From caring comes courage.

……. Lao Tzu

Courage is the greatest of all the virtues.
Because if you haven't courage,
you may not have an opportunity to use any of the others

………Samuel Johnson

The courage to be, is the courage to accept oneself,
in spite of being unacceptable.

…….Paul Tillich

Optimism is the foundation of Courage.
…… Nicholas Butler

Courage is the price that Life exacts for granting Peace

…….Amelia Earhart

Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.

…….Arnold Koesttler

It isn't life that matters! It is the Courage you bring to it.

……Sir Hugh Walpole

Courage is the capacity to move ahead in spite of despair.

…..Rollo May

Courage does not always roar like a lion;
Sometimes it is the quiet voice inside that is saying;
. “I will try again tomorrow.”
…..Mary Ann Radmachar

The greatest test of Courage on earth,
is to bear defeat without losing heart.
…..R. G. Ingersoll

He who does not have courage to take risks,

will accomplish nothing in life.

........Muhammad Ali

A man of Courage is also full of faith.

……Cicero

Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand,
the spines of others are often stiffened
……Billy Graham

I’ve learned that Courage was not the absence of fear,
but the triumph over it.
…….Nelson Mandela

Courage is not the absence of despair;
it is, rather, the capacity to move ahead in spite of despair.
……Rollo May

Courage is almost a contradiction in terms.
It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.

…..G.K. Chesterton

Courage is the first of human qualities
because it is the quality which guarantees the others.

……..Aristotle

Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities;
- because it is the quality which guarantees all others.
…….Joseph Chamberlain

Courage, above all things, is the first quality of a warrior.
……. Karl Von Clausewitz